In Search Of The Perfect Onion Bagel

A few weeks ago I got it in my head that I needed to find the perfect onion bagel. I wanted one. The problem is that it was and is a very specific want. I have a vision of what the perfect onion bagel would be like. A crisp exterior, loaded with lots of amazing crispy onion bits on top. A very soft inside with no onion bits. The onion bits on the inside isn’t a huge deal but the other ideas are absolute requirements. You can picture it right?

So far I’ve only been to one place to look for the perfect bagel. We don’t really have a ton of options around here. It’s Dunkin Donuts and more Dunkin Donuts with a very rare local place and the even less common Panera. Yep, that’s pretty much it.

This bagel is not what I wanted. Sure, it’s an onion bagel. But does it have crispy bits on top? Does it even look like an onion bagel? It doesn’t scream onion to me at all outside of the light smell. A moderate amount of bits inside – again not a huge deal. It was chewy even after toasting. The flavor was light. It was okay, but not awesome. I’ll stick to plain Dunkin bagels in the future.

Oooh come on down to NJ – we’ve got a bagel place almost every block (well, just about). I think your quest for a perfect onion bagel will be fulfilled here

I’m not one for onion bagels. I’m currently in love with salt bagels. I always ask for extra salt – for some reason, that request seems to mean “grab the one with the least amount”. Sigh. Good luck with your onion bagel search. Want me to ship some up to you? ^_~

Rachel — November 16th, 2011 @ 2:53 pm

I don’t think I’ve ever had a salt bagel before. Sounds interesting though! Since we don’t have a real bagel shop nearby we’re limited to the basic uninteresting varieties. For other options I have to travel a bit.

Gonna be honest, I came to this page expecting a journey through the process of finding the perfect onion bagel RECIPE. Oh well, that particular search continues for me. I’m gonna have to second that recommendation for New Jersey bagels. There’s an Amish market around here that produces what remains in my mind, years later, the PERFECT onion bagel. Just as you described. Glorious onion bits on top and all. I have the bagel proper down pat, but so far have yet to find the right way to make it sufficiently oniony. Probably gonna have to go undercover at a legit bagel shop. Or, you know. Get hired at one.